Effect of different levels of glutamine amino acid on semen quality of Arabi ram during different storage times under liquid condition in 5°C

Glutamine is an amino acid which has antioxidant role. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of glutamine into diluent on semen characteristics of Arabi ram in liquid condition. Semen samples were collected weekly from 8 Arabi rams for 8 weeks and pooled. After dilution, the pooled semen was divided into 5 parts and received the levels of glutamine (0 or control, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM). In liquid storage condition under 5°C and different times (1, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours), semen quality characteristics were evaluated. The glutamine levels have no effects on semen quality in first hour of maintenance (P>0.05). The sperm motility was not affected by treatments during 24 and 48 hours; But, sperm viability in control was lower than 25 mM glutamine (P0.05). Overall, the use of glutamine especially dose of 25 and 50 mM significantly increased the sperm quality parameters of Arabi ram without effect on semen pH.